If you are a university student or recent graduate in Australia finding your first job might be overwhelming. Students always tend to look to earn extra income, gain work experience, or enhance their professional skills, finding a casual or part-time job is an excellent way to achieve your goals.

While the job market may seem competitive, there are various ways to increase your chances of landing the perfect first job. Here’s a detailed article on the top eight ways to help you secure your first job in Australia.

Online Job Search Websites

Websites like Seek, Indeed, Jora, and CareerOne feature a wide range of job listings across various industries, making it easy to find roles that match your skills and interests. These are among the most efficient and convenient websites for finding job opportunities for beginners. 

To get started, you can use specific keywords related to the job you are seeking, apply filters to narrow down the results based on location or job type (such as casual or part-time), and set up job alerts so you’re notified when new roles become available. It is also helpful to create a profile, upload your resume, and highlight your key skills to make your application process faster and more effective.

For students, platforms like Student Job Board and Student Edge cater specifically to student job seekers, offering roles that are flexible and suited to your academic schedule.

Explore Opportunities on Company Websites

Many companies post job openings directly on their websites, typically in a section titled ‘Jobs’ or ‘Careers’. To make the most of these opportunities, it’s a good idea to regularly check the career pages of companies you’re interested in. If you don’t see any current job listings, consider creating a profile or submitting an expression of interest to show your enthusiasm for potential future openings. Be sure to attach your resume and a tailored cover letter to make a positive impression. If you have emailed a company about a job, it’s worth following up after a week or two to express continued interest and demonstrate your proactivity.

Build and Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is a great way for students to connect with professionals, showcase their skills, and find employment opportunities. LinkedIn is not just for experienced professionals or job seekers; employers also use LinkedIn to find potential candidates. So, it is important for you to have a strong profile while looking for a job.

Start by creating a professional profile with a clear photo, a compelling headline, and a detailed summary of your skills, education, and career goals. Don’t forget to showcase any achievements like academic awards, internships, or volunteer work. You can also use LinkedIn’s job board to apply for positions and even receive direct messages from recruiters about job openings.

Use University Career Services

University Career Services in Australia are an important resource for students transitioning from study to employment. These professional services provide personalised career guidance to help you identify your abilities and align them with your goals. They organise courses targeted at developing important skills such as writing a great resume, facing interviews, and networking. 

Use Government Program

Australian states have several programs funded by the government that help students in getting jobs. These initiatives aim to link students with potential employers through job portals, career courses, and networking events.

Network and Look for Referrals

Networking is a great way to know about jobs that might not be advertised online. Many employers prioritise referrals or personal recommendations to fill positions, making your connections invaluable. Informing your friends, family, and former colleagues that you are looking for a job. They may know about openings in their workplaces or know someone who does. Attending events, volunteering, and joining social groups can also expand your network and increase your chances of getting referred for a role. 

Look Out for Job Ads in Storefronts

In industries like retail, hospitality, and customer service, many businesses often display job vacancies directly on their shop windows. These positions are typically for immediate hiring, making them ideal for students who are ready to start work quickly. If you notice such a sign, make sure you have carried a few copies of your resume to leave your application at that store.

When you go in to inquire, make a positive first impression by dressing properly, being polite, and confident. Express interest in the role clearly and confidently might lend you the job.

Self-Employment Options

If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, working for yourself can be a fulfilling and flexible option. Some of the ideas and options that you might consider are briefly explained below:

• Tutoring: Offer lessons in subjects like mathematics, languages, or science through platforms like Learnmate.

• Freelancing: Platforms like Fiverr, Airtasker, Freelancer, and Upwork offer you deals to start your career if you have skills like graphic design, writing, web development, or any other.

• Delivery Services: Partner with delivery apps such as UberEats or DoorDash to earn while maintaining flexibility.

Self-employment allows you to work on your terms while building valuable business skills.

Conclusion

Getting your first full-time or part-time job in Australia can be very overwhelming. You will get excited and rewarded after getting one but it is mostly difficult in the beginning to find. So leveraging online platforms, networking, government resources, or also considering self-employment or businesses, you can secure a role or build a career out of it.

FAQs

What are the best online platforms to search for my first job in Australia?

Seek, Indeed, Jora, LinkedIn, and CareerOne are the few best online platforms to find a job in Australia. These platforms list a wide range of job opportunities across various industries for students as well as professionals. 

How can LinkedIn help me find a job as a student in Australia?

LinkedIn is a very needed tool for students. Creating a professional profile, showcasing your skills and experiences, and connecting with professionals in your desired field, can increase your visibility to potential employers and help you find a suitable job.

Can my university help me find a job in Australia?

Yes, university career services can help students find jobs. Especially, for students transitioning from study to employment, university career services play a vital role in offering them personalised career advice, organising workshops on resume writing and interview skills, and helping connect them with employers.

Are there any government programs in Australia to help students get jobs? 

Yes, several government-funded programs in Australian states assist students in finding employment.

Are there other options, if I can not find a job through traditional channels?

If traditional job search methods are not giving you results. You can consider self-employment opportunities as well. Which can be options like tutoring, freelancing on platforms like Fiverr or Airtasker, or even delivering for apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash.